If you want to amend minor aesthetic alignment issues in your smile, your dentist may recommend Invisalign. This treatment involves custom-made, translucent, plastic aligners that you wear for at least 22 hours per day. Then they gradually push your teeth into your desired straighter position.
Many patients appreciate that the clear color of Invisalign offers a more subtle appearance during treatment than harsh metal braces. But Invisalign will require at-home care to ensure they continue to appear pristine. Check out maintenance tips from your dentist regarding how to keep your Invisalign aligners looking and feeling their best during your teeth-straightening treatment.
Remove Invisalign When Eating and Drinking
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out of the mouth when necessary. For optimal results, you will need to wear Invisalign most of the day, including when you sleep. But dentists will ask patients to remove Invisalign when they eat or drink.
This is because food can easily become trapped in the aligners and make a mess. Beverages, especially dark-colored ones, could also stain your Invisalign, which may make your teeth appear dark or yellow when wearing Invisalign.
So to preserve the appearance of your aligners, take out Invisalign during mealtimes. You can drink water with Invisalign without issue though. Make sure you rinse Invisalign to remove germs before placing Invisalign back in your mouth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If you want to keep your Invisalign looking its best, you will take care of your underlying teeth as well. Though Invisalign covers your teeth, your smile will still collect plaque and other residue throughout the day. This can transfer to your aligners if you do not remove it in a timely fashion.
Then you might see discoloration, deterioration, or other structural damage to Invisalign that may then interfere with your teeth-straightening treatment. So make sure you keep your teeth clean by completing consistent and thorough oral hygiene.
You can remove Invisalign so that you can brush and floss your teeth without disruption from your oral appliance. Floss every day and brush your teeth at least twice each day for optimal oral health benefits.
Complete Separate Cleaning for Invisalign
You will need to complete a separate cleaning regimen for Invisalign aligners from your usual oral hygiene routine. The aligners will accrue plaque and other build-ups throughout your day as well which will need removal. Otherwise, you might stain or harm your aligners.
Once a day, perhaps during your oral hygiene routine, you should brush your Invisalign. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you do not scratch the aligners. And use a cleaning paste without abrasive ingredients to avoid harming the appliance.
When you rinse and wash Invisalign, do not use hot water. The high temperatures could melt and warp the device. Ill-fitting Invisalign will not fit or function properly.
How often should I clean my Invisalign aligners each day?
Clean your aligners thoroughly at least twice daily – morning and night. Rinse them every time you remove them to prevent dried saliva and plaque buildup. Use lukewarm water only, as hot water can warp the plastic. Morning cleaning removes bacteria that accumulated overnight, while evening cleaning prevents daily buildup. Some patients prefer a quick additional cleaning after lunch for fresher breath and clearer aligners.
Will my aligners still work if they become slightly warped?
Slightly warped aligners may not track your teeth properly, potentially derailing your treatment plan. Minor warping might still apply some pressure, but not in the precise direction needed for tooth movement. Call your dentist immediately if you notice changes in how your aligners fit. Never force warped aligners onto your teeth. Your dentist might need to order replacement trays, which could delay your treatment timeline.
How can I prevent my aligners from developing an odor?
Rinse aligners with cool water immediately after removal to prevent dried saliva buildup. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap rather than toothpaste, which can be abrasive. Avoid soaking in colored mouthwash that might stain the plastic. Consider using Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaners for deeper cleaning once daily. Never eat or drink anything except plain water while wearing your aligners.
Is it okay to chew gum while wearing Invisalign?
No, chewing gum while wearing Invisalign is never recommended. Gum sticks to the aligners, creating a sticky mess that’s difficult to clean. The chewing motion could potentially damage or warp your aligners. The sugar in most gums gets trapped between your teeth and aligners, which increases your risk of cavities. Save your gum-chewing for those brief periods when you’ve removed your aligners for meals.
Can I wear Invisalign while playing sports or working out?
Yes, you can wear Invisalign during most physical activities. This actually gives you an advantage over traditional braces by protecting your teeth. For contact sports requiring a mouthguard, remove your aligners and use a proper sports mouthguard instead. Remember to drink plenty of water during workouts, as Invisalign can reduce natural saliva flow. Clean your aligners and teeth thoroughly after intense exercise to remove any buildup.
What happens if I lose or damage one of my Invisalign aligners?
Contact our office immediately if you lose or damage an aligner. Don’t automatically jump to the next set without professional guidance. Your dentist might advise wearing your previous aligner until a replacement arrives to prevent your teeth from shifting back. In some cases, moving to the next aligner might be appropriate if you were close to changing anyway. Replacement aligners typically take 1-2 weeks to arrive and may involve additional fees not covered by insurance.
If you do suffer damage to Invisalign, let your dentist know. You will require urgent replacements to avoid disruption to your cosmetic dental treatment.